London, Jun 22: Keir Starmer on Monday announced his resignation as British Prime Minister and the Leader of the Labour Party, setting out a timetable for his successor to be elected by mid-July.
The 63-year-old said he will remain in post until a new leader and PM is elected by the governing party and pledged his full support to the new leader.
Andy Burnham, who returns to the House of Commons after winning a crucial by-election last week, is widely expected to take over at 10 Downing Street.
“The question my party is asking now is whether I am best placed to lead us into the next general election,” said an emotional Starmer, in his address from the steps of Downing Street.
“I have heard the answer of my parliamentary party to that question and I accept that answer with good grace. Every decision I have taken has been about putting the country I love first. That is why I will resign as leader of the Labour Party,” he said.
Starmer said he had spoken to King Charles III on Monday morning to inform him of the decision.
He will now ask the National Executive Committee of the Labour Party to set out the timetable for selecting his successor, with nominations opening on July 9 and the process to be completed by the summer recess of Parliament, scheduled for July 17. (PTI)
